evidently did not like the
thoughts of having to proceed in that direction, and, pointing towards
the south, said that that was where their native village was situated.

"We must go to the coast, at all events," said Tom. "If they desert us
we cannot help it."

"Since that matter is settled, let us have some breakfast," exclaimed
Billy. "I wish you would knock over a few birds. There are plenty of
them. Here are some small shot. I thought it would be useful."

There were parrots, paraquets, doves, and several other birds of
exquisite plumage, flying about; and Tom, who was a very good shot, even
with a ship's musket, in a few minutes shot as many as would serve the
party for breakfast. The men then set to work to pluck them, caring
very little for their fine feathers. An open space, where they could
venture to light a fire, was soon found. Nick and Pipes had in the mean
time been hunting about for wild fruit, and quickly brought in a good
supply.

"There's no fear of starving in this country; that's one comfort,"
observed Billy, as he began to munch away at his share of a parrot.

The fruits were very refreshing. They ate them without fear, although
they did not know their names, as Nick and Pipes assured them they were
good.

The meal over, the party prepared to set out. They first, however, drew
up the canoe, and concealed it as closely as possible under the bushes,
that they might again make use of it if necessary. Nick and Pipes, when
they understood what Tom required, offered to go in front and scout, but
gave him to understand that should they fall in with an enemy they would
retreat, and that he must be prepared to halt or turn back again, as
they might deem necessary.

They soon found themselves in a very dense forest, through which it was
a hard matter to make their way. Wherever there was an open space the
ground was covered with a profusion of flowers; and birds of gay plumage
flew amid the trees, and monkeys of various sizes leaped from branch to
branch. Occasionally they had to make their way with their cutlasses,
but it was a somewhat slow business, and fatiguing into the bargain. In
many places Nick and Pipes were no more able to get through than they
were, and they were also constantly afraid that they might come suddenly
upon some natives and betray themselves. At last, coming to a brook,
from sheer fatigue they were compelled to halt and eat the remainder of
the provisions they